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Monday, June 30, 2014

A princess, trained to behave. An assassin, betrothed to her. A thief, whose eyes she dreams of at night. A kingdom at war, torn apart by the suppression of magic and truth, as well as family secrets that threaten to destroy decades of peace.

Questions of loyalty, of morality, and of free will culminate in a fantasy novel about forging one’s own path and choosing one’s own destiny.

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She’s written works in various genres – romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn’t as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she’s been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships – romantic, familial, friendly – because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn’t matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future – human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah’s stories.

Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.

When Sarah isn’t writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

3 Winners will receive an E-Copy of Primordial Dust by Sarah Daltry.1 Winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card and Swag pack by Sarah Daltry.1 Winner will receive a Swag Pack by Sarah Daltry.Must be 13+ to EnterInternational Giveaway

Friday, June 27, 2014

I am so excited to be apart of the team of bloggers able to share with you guys the new information about Unleashed (the sequel to Uninvited) by Sophie Jordan! A summary has been revealed! A cover! And a mini- teaser! So without further ado:

Summary for UNLEASHED:

What if the worst thing you ever did was unforgivable?

Davy’s world fell apart after she tested positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome. She was expelled from her school, dumped by her boyfriend, abandoned by friends, and shipped off to a camp that turns HTS carriers into soldiers. Davy may have escaped, but the damage has already been done. The unthinkable has happened. Now, even worse than having everyone else see her as a monster is the knowledge that they may have been right about her all along. Because Davy has killed.

On the run from government agents, Davy is rescued by Caden, the charismatic leader of an underground group of rebels. Despite Caden’s assurances that the Resistance is made up of carriers like her, Davy isn’t sure she can trust them. Then again, she doesn’t even know if she can trust herself . . . or her growing feelings for Caden. But if she doesn’t belong with Caden and his followers, is there anywhere she can call home?

And an UNLEASHED mini-teaser:

I thought being labeled a killer and losing everything—my future, family, boyfriend, friends—was the worst thing that could ever happen to me. It’s not. Finding out they were right. Finding out that’s exactly what I am?

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

Sinner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret -- his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved?

It's been about 4 years since Linger came out and about 4 years since I fell in love with Cole and Isabel. The moment that they interacted on the pages, I couldn't get enough of them. Oh, the banter! When the series (supposedly thank god) ended with Forever, I was extremely crushed that there was no conclusion that felt final enough for Cole and Isabel.

I don't know how many times I reread those chapters. Over and over again, thinking about how Maggie would write this story. I would finally get a conclusion for my favorite characters; I would finally get more of them. I am so glad to say that all the hype that I built up for this book did not leave me disappointed.Sinner was absolutely breathtaking. I had to constantly pace myself when reading it because I didn't want it to end (which was extremely hard because every page that Cole and Isabel were on was captivating)(which was most of the book). The whole novel focuses on them: the trails they go through in their relationship, in their day-to-day lives, with their feelings. So unlike previous novels with them, their parts are not contained. Grace and Sam have small cameos, and it was so exciting to see them on the pages again. (In addition, the werewolf issue is not as strong as a plot point as it was in the Wolves of Mercy Falls, where the mystery and troubles of being a werewolf was really the main issue. In Sinner, it did not seem to be as strong as to be the theme of the book.) Maggie Steifvater brings back the chemistry Cole and Isabel had in Linger and adds to the depth of the characters, giving us an inside look to their thoughts that we just got a glimpse of in previous books. Oh how I wish I could go to L.A. and experience this book! I'm in love.

I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of the series and (of course!) lovers of Cole and Isabel. (You should definitely buy a copy when it comes out in a couple of days).

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

So this is my first Waiting on Wednesday and I'm picking one that I hope man do I hope I'm going to love- Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Publication Date: August 14, 2014

Goodreads summary:

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Why Isla?
Stephanie Perkins is such a fantastic writer! Since I read Anna and the French Kiss, she became one of my favorite authors. And I have a feeling that this might become one of my favorite books. After reading the three chapter except from it, I immediately connected to Isla from the awkward moments to the people -never-pronouncing-my-name-right to the shyness and not-knowing-what-to-say. I can't wait for this final book in the series. (the cameos! the romance! the swooning!)

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Where there is NO life, there is Hope. Hope has always been a bit of a freak. But when her mother crawls from her grave and her undead corpse goes MIA, Hope s last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance. Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster hunters seems her best bet for tracking down Mommy-dearest and putting what s left of her mother to rest. But the stakes are raised when she s partnered with three unique male recruits each with their own personal demons to slay if they want to survive basic training. But does Hope have a true killer s instinct? If she finds her mother, will she have the guts to do what must be done to save her soul? In a place like Le Manoir, all bets are off. What could be creepier than hunting down your own zombie mommy?....A single page in, I was hooked. Jacqueline Mitchard, author of What We Lost in the Dark and The Deep End of the Ocean Killer s Instinct is going to knock other YA monster-battling books off the shelves. Gary Braver, bestselling and award-winning author of Tunnel Vision

Dawn Dalton is the author of creepy young adult fiction. When she isn’t dodging monsters, you can find her at creepy crossroads with her husband and two hounds — you know, just skulking around. Dawn also writes adult thriller, romantic suspense ad contemporary young adult under the last name Ius. She is represented by Mandy Hubbard at D4EO Literary Agency.

Judith Graves has multiple young adult novels and short stories published with Leap Books, Orca Book Publishers, Compass Press, and, under the pen name, Judith Tewes, is also published with Bloomsbury Spark. In addition, Judith is abscreenwriter and playwright, writes freelance articles for literary magazines, and facilitates writing workshops for both adults and young adults.

Top Ten Tuesday is a an original feature/ weekly meme that was created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new topic is presented and this week's is:

Ten Book Cover Trends (that you like or dislike)

1. The Pretty Dress (Like)- This trend isn't as widespread as it was a couple years ago (when almost everything had a dress in it) but it's still very popular.

2. BIG COVER FILLING FONT- (Like) It's pretty and I definitely know what the book is called.

3. Smoke on the bottom- (ehh I'm not sure if I do like this one) When done right it looks nice otherwise it looks kind of cheesy.

4. Flowing Locks of Luscious Hair~ (ok, I'm going to go with like on this one too)

5. The Side-Pose (ehhh) It's very model-esque- You guys be the judge!

So I could only come up with five different cover trends that I noticed. Do you guys have any more that you want to share? What you do you think about the ones that I posted? Leave your comments below so I can see what you guys think!

*Covers pictured above are:

1. The Jewel by Amy Ewing : The One by Kiera Cass : The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

2. Everything Leads to You by Nina Lacour : The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings : Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

Friday, June 20, 2014

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Rating: 5 Stars

Series: His Fair Assassin #1

Release Date: April 2012

Goodreads synopsis:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

I picked this book up at the Strand two months ago, read a few chapters, and put it down. I just started reading it again in the past week and boy, am I glad I made that decision! It was slow at first, and I felt indifferent if not distaste towards members of the covenant and thus had little care for the characters. However, about a quarter of a way through, I was drawn in and I quickly formed my own predictions and suspicions (some of which turned out to be true).

Overall, I absolutely loved the plot, it was engaging and kept me wanting more. This is the first book in a while that has kept me so engrossed that I literally couldn't put it down. The story was unique and like none other I've read, and Robin LaFevers is a truly talented writer and storyteller.

The heroine/protagonist Ismae undergoes some amazing development and we see her go from a helpless, timid girl, to a blindly obedient assassin, and finally to a strong woman readers love and sympathize with. I knew from the moment we were introduced to Gavriel that he would be one of my favorite characters, and I was not left disappointed. The characters are all well developed and multidimensional, even the minor characters.

I definitely recommend this to anyone interested in YA historical fiction, fantasy, or really anyone interested in a fast paced novel with a hint of romance.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

So this is my very first WoW and I am proud to present Talon by Julie Kagawa as my first! Talon is set to be released in October of 2014 by Harlequin Teen.

Goodreads summary:

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

Why Talon?

Julie Kagawa's The Iron King was my very first YA novel and is thus what got me into the genre. She is a phenomenal writer and I have no doubt that this book will not disappoint. I'm very interested to see Julie's unique take on dragons, as she has done a great job with the fey and vampires. Besides, dragons are awesome! ;)

Saturday, June 14, 2014

The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Rating: 5 Stars

Series: Blood of Eden #3

Release Date: April 2014

Goodreads synopsis:

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

Julie never ceases to surprise, so I thought I was ready for the unexpected; boy was I wrong! The Forever Song was an epic conclusion to an amazing trilogy, but I wasn't satisfied. The ending left me wanting even more, so here is to hoping that a spin off is in its future (Maybe with Jackal? One can hope!)

I have to admit, I loved the beginning of the book. Allison's lack of humanity showed the depth of her character and ironically showed her ability to love and care. The things she did without her humanity just showed that Julie isn't for glossing around and making vampires human loving creatures, rather, it showed that vampires are bloodsucking creatures above all, which I loved. There was some amazing character development for Jackal as well as other central characters, and as usual he provided the much needed comic relief to the gory and violent scenes. I fell in love with almost all of the characters (especially Jackal & Kanin); they were all so well developed and three dimensional and so real.

When I was around 75% of the way done, I thought it became easily predictable…after all; the good guys always come out triumphant and alive right? Guess who was wrong again? Me. Julie Kagawa is never predictable and will always knock you off your feet. She has a one of a kind writing style and has set the bar up there ever since her debut novel. After finishing the novel, I felt so drained and emotional; I still feel very unsatisfied and I feel like there is so much potential for more. (Kind of the feeling we all got from The Iron Queen!)

Overall, this will not disappoint and I will most definitely be recommending this extraordinary series to my friends and family!

Friday, June 6, 2014

So to celebrate the launch of Wonderland Novels, I have decided to do a giveaway for one of the books in one of my favorite series, Blood of Eden by Julie Kagawa. I am giving away one kindle copy of The Eternity Cure, the second book in the series. I have decided to make it an ecopy so that it can be international without shipping fees. :-) Check the book out here.

You need either a Kindle or the (free!) Kindle app on your laptop, tablet, phone, etc in order to read it.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Hello everyone!
We are Alice & Yiling and we started this blog to express our love for everything books. We expect to have our first review sometime later this month! If you have any questions, suggestions, or review requests, please feel free to send us an email at wonderlandnovelsblog@gmail.com. We'll get back to you as soon as possible!